Israeli Woman Kidnapped by Hamas Freed After 245 Days
09.06.2024: For 245 days, Noa Argamani, an Israeli citizen, was held captive in Gaza by the Palestinian group Hamas. Her harrowing ordeal ended when the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) rescued her, reuniting her with her family.
The Abduction
Noa Argamani, 26, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7 last year, a day that turned tragic when Hamas launched a massive land-sea-air attack on Israel. The festival, which had attracted a large crowd of young revelers, descended into chaos and terror. Amid the violence, Noa and her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, were taken hostage. A viral video showed Noa being forcibly taken into Gaza on a motorcycle, crying out in desperation, drawing global attention to her plight.
Captivity and Family Struggles
During her captivity, Noa’s mother, Liora, who suffers from terminal brain cancer, saw her condition worsen. The emotional toll on the family was immense as they awaited news of Noa’s fate.
The Rescue Operation
On Saturday, the IDF executed a daring rescue operation in Nuseirat, central Gaza, freeing Noa and three other hostages: Andrey Kozlov, Almog Meir Jan, and Shlomi Ziv. Noa was immediately transported to Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, where she reunited with her ailing mother. Her father, Yaakov, who first saw her after she was flown back to Israel, described the reunion as the greatest birthday gift he could ever receive.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Efforts
Thousands of Israelis gathered in “Hostage Square” in central Tel Aviv to celebrate the rescue and demand the release of the remaining hostages. This square has become a focal point for demonstrations and solidarity since the October 7 attacks. Of the 251 people seized by Hamas, seven captives have been freed alive by Israeli forces, while 116 hostages remain in Gaza, including 41 whom the army believes are dead.
Official Responses
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog personally congratulated Noa on her safe return. In an emotional phone call, Prime Minister Netanyahu reassured her, stating, “We never gave up on you for a moment. I don’t know if you believed in it, but we believed, and I am glad it came true.”
Context of the Conflict
The conflict, the deadliest in Gaza’s history, began with a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,189 Israeli deaths and 252 hostages taken. Israel’s response has been relentless, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 36,801 deaths, mostly civilians.